Causes of sore eyes, treatments, and home remedies
What's Causing My Sore Throat And Ear Pain, And How Do I Treat It?
There are many reasons why your ears and throat may hurt. While most issues are minor and may clear up on their own, some symptoms could need prompt medical attention.
A sore throat is pain in the back of the throat. It can be caused by a number of things, but a cold is the most common cause. Like a sore throat, ear pain also has a few underlying causes.
Most of the time, a sore throat isn't anything to worry about and will improve within a few days. When an earache accompanies a sore throat, it could be a sign of tonsillitis, mononucleosis, or another condition that may require treatment.
Let's take a look at the causes of a sore throat and ear pain and which ones warrant a visit to the doctor.
A sore throat and ear pain may sound self-explanatory, but the type of pain and severity can vary, depending on the cause.
Symptoms of a sore throat can include:
Ear pain symptoms can include:
A sore throat and ear pain can also be accompanied by headache, fever, and general feeling of being unwell, depending on the cause.
The following are causes of sore throat and ear pain together.
AllergiesAllergens, such as pollen and dust, can trigger an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the mucus membranes that line the nasal cavities and ears. This causes postnasal drip, which is excess mucus draining into the throat. Postnasal drip is a common cause of throat irritation and pain.
Inflammation can also cause a blockage in the ears that prevents mucus from draining properly, leading to pressure and ear pain.
You may also have other symptoms of allergies, including:
TonsillitisTonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two glands located on each side of your throat. Tonsillitis is more common in children, but can happen at any age. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, such as the common cold.
Red, swollen tonsils and a sore throat are the most common symptoms. Others include:
MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is an infectious disease usually caused by a virus, such as the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono can cause severe symptoms that can last for several weeks.
It can affect anyone, but people in their teens and early 20s are more likely to experience classic symptoms of the illness, which include:
Strep throatStrep throat is a contagious infection caused by a group of bacteria. Strep throat can cause a very painful sore throat that comes on very quickly. Sometimes, the bacteria from a throat infection can travel into the eustachian tubes and middle ear, causing an ear infection.
Other symptoms of strep throat include:
Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid or other contents of your stomach back up into your esophagus. If you experience frequent acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more severe form of acid reflux.
Symptoms tend to be worse when lying down, bending over, or after a heavy meal. Heartburn is the most common symptom. Others symptoms include:
Chronic sinusitisChronic sinusitis is a condition in which the sinus cavities become inflamed for at least 12 weeks even with treatment. The inflammation interferes with mucus drainage, causing a buildup that leads to pain and swelling in the face. Other symptoms include:
Inhaling smoke, chemicals, and other substances can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause inflammation of the mucous membranes, which can affect the ears. It can also cause lung irritation.
Common irritants include:
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints located on each side of your jaw. TMD causes pain and dysfunction in these joints, which control jaw movement. The condition is more common in people who clench and grind their teeth, but the exact cause isn't known.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
People with TMD have also reported sore throat and ears, a plugging sensation, and ringing in the ear.
Tooth infection or abscessA dental abscess is a pocket of pus at the tip of your tooth's root caused by a bacterial infection. An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain that radiates to your ear and jaw on the same side. The lymph nodes in your neck and throat may also be swollen and tender.
Other symptoms include:
Ear and throat pain on one side may be caused by:
Sore throat and ear pain that lasts for weeks may be caused by:
A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. During the exam they'll check your ears and throat for signs of infection and examine your throat for swollen lymph nodes.
If strep throat is suspected, a swab of the back of your throat will be taken to check for bacteria. This is called a rapid strep test. It's performed right away and results take just a few minutes.
Other tests that may be used to diagnose the cause of sore throat and ears include:
There are several effective home remedies for earache and sore throat. Medical treatments are also available, depending on what's causing your symptoms.
Home remediesGetting plenty of rest and fluids is a good place to start if you have a cold or other infection, such as a throat, sinus, or ear infection.
You can also try:
Medical treatmentMost throat and ear infections clear up within a week without treatment. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed unless you've had repeated strep infections or have a compromised immune system. Antibiotics are also used to treat tooth infections.
Medical treatment for sore throat and ears depends on the cause. Treatments include:
See a doctor if you have persistent throat and ear pain that doesn't improve with self-care or if you have:
See a dentist if you have tooth pain or an abscess.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor or dentist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Medical emergency
Some symptoms may indicate a serious illness or complication. Go to the nearest emergency room if your sore throat and ears is accompanied by:
According to a 2021 study, lower respiratory tract symptoms — such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness — are the dominant symptoms of most COVID-19 infections.
However, upper-respiratory tract symptoms that affect the ears, nose, and throat are also included in the clinical criteria for COVID-19. These include:
There are many reasons why your ears and throat may hurt. Some conditions may clear up on their own, while others may need medical attention. Causes of combined ear and throat pain include:
What can I do if my throat and ears hurt?Treatment for throat and ear pain depends on the underlying cause.
For colds or infections of the sinus, throat, or ears, you can start by getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids. You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever medications.
Antibiotics may be needed if you have a tooth infection or if you've had repeated strep throat infections.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sore throat and ear?A sore throat and painful ears may be a symptom of an infection, allergy, or other medical condition. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Talk with a doctor if home remedies such as rest, hydration, and OTC pain medications don't help. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend treatment.
This article can help you identify the underlying cause and how to treat it.
Home remedies can help relieve a sore throat and ears, but medical treatment may be needed depending on the cause of your symptoms. If self-care measures don't help or your symptoms are severe, speak to a doctor.
Experts Address Treatment For Common Condition Behind Ear Pain
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – According to data published in the journal Jama Otolaryngoly-Head and Neck Surgery, an estimated 11 million Americans are impacted by a Eustachian tube dysfunction, a painful condition that can affect hearing.
There are several known causes and treatments.
Going back to early childhood, Fort Lauderdale resident Dean Weston started having problems with his ears.
"I would recall having major pain and pressure in my ear and it would usually result in me getting some type of sinus infection or sore throat," Weston said.
From the time he was a toddler to well into his teens and beyond, Weston underwent multiple surgeries to place tubes in his ears to ease the pain and pressure.
"My life kind of revolved around my ear problems," Weston said.
Otolaryngologist Dr. Ariel Grobman said Eustachian tube dysfunction is more common in childhood but can also happen later in life.
"The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects the back of the nose to the ar, and it opens and closes to allow air into our ears," Grobman said.
Allergies and infections, like the common cold and flu, can cause inflammation and mucus buildup leading to blockage of the Eustachian tube.
Acid reflux, which can cause stomach acid to back up into the throat can also be a culprit.
And Grobman said people who fly or dive a lot are also at greater risk.
He said the treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition.
"That can range from over-the-counter allergy medications such as nasal sprays as well as allergy pills to prescription steroid pills to reduce swelling, prescription strength nasal rinses that deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the Eustachian tube opening at the back of the nose," he said.
Grobman said there are newer, minimally invasive surgical options that allow specialists to open the blocked area.
After undergoing the procedure last year, Weston is flying high again.
"It's been a year since the procedure and I don't have an ear tube. I don't have a ton of pressure or pain in my ear, haven't had any sinus infections," he said. "I never thought this was something I wouldn't have to worry about in my life and it's great here we are."
Warning signs of Eustachian tube dysfunction include hearing problems, ringing in the ears, balance problems and pain that mimic an ear infection.
In rare cases, it can cause hearing loss and permanent damage to your eardrum and middle ear.
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When To Worry About A Sore Throat
Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable, or worse. In many cases, sore throats are caused by viral infections but an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says that although this may be the most common cause; multiple health conditions may play a role in having an itchy, irritated and painful throat.
"The most common reason for someone to develop a sore throat would be a virus, and this is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough or malaise," said Dr. Julina Ongkasuwan, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor.
A severe sore throat may be an indication of possible strep throat, a bacterial infection. Individuals who develop strep throat often have high fevers or pus on the tonsils; however, Ongkasuwan said many other viral infections may be associated with high fevers so she recommends visiting your doctor for a throat swab.
"For most people experiencing a sore throat, I generally recommend rest and hydration. If you are highly concerned then you should get a strep swab, and you really shouldn't take antibiotics unless the strep swab is positive," she said.
Those who experience strep throat multiple times a year may be a candidate for tonsillectomy. "According to the Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, if an individual has documented strep throat seven times in one year, five times per year for two consecutive years, or three times per year for three consecutive years, they can consider having their tonsils removed," Ongkasuwan said.
Other health conditions that can cause sore throat are reflux, tonsil stones, muscle tension, and mononucleosis, also known as mono. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and if the acid reaches the throat it can also lead to throat discomfort. Tonsil stones refer to food debris that get stuck in the tonsils resulting in inflammation and irritation.
For throat pain that persists beyond three weeks and is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or weight loss, Ongkasuwan recommends visiting a doctor to rule out any severe health conditions.
There are ways to sooth a sore throat without having to take antibiotics, such as non-caffeinated warm tea or hot water with honey.
"Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor."
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